What does the Five Elements and Bagua refer to? What etiquette do Chinese people have?
The Five Elements and Bagua are divided into Yin-Yang, Five Elements and Bagua theory. The "Five Elements" specifically refers to the elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. The theory of the "Five Elements", like today's mathematics, physics, and chemistry, has always been the tool and method used by ancient Chinese sages to engage in various researches, regardless of Taoists, doctors, military strategists, Confucianists, historians, miscellaneous scholars, and calculators must all be proficient in the "Five Elements." Bagua is the continuation of yin and yang and the five elements, or it divides all things into Bagua. The eight trigrams are: Qian, Kan, Gen, Zhen, Xun, Li, Kun and Dui. Bagua is usually used in subjects such as orientation, hexagram measurement, and Feng Shui. The subject that best utilizes the Eight Diagrams is Plum Blossom Yishu. The Chinese nation has a tradition of understanding etiquette, practicing etiquette, observing etiquette, and valuing etiquette, so it is called a "land of etiquette." Etiquette regulated people's morality and behavior in ancient society. It is also a symbol of civilization and one of the outstanding cultural traditions of the Chinese nation. Etiquette has been continuously revised, improved, inherited and developed throughout history. Three classic works that specifically elaborate on rituals, "The Rites of Zhou", "The Ritual" and "The Book of Rites", play a decisive role in Chinese culture.
Etiquette deeply embodies human beings’ awe for the universe, the pursuit of virtue, the pursuit of harmony, the expectations and tolerance of people themselves, the expectations for a better life, and the emphasis on and cultivation of aesthetic tastes. , and the coordination of social order. "Zuo Zhuan: The Eleventh Year of Yin Gong" says: "Rituals govern the country, determine the country, order the people, and benefit the heirs."
So, what are rituals? "Zuo Zhuan: The Twenty-Fiveth Year of Duke Zhao" says: "Rites are the order of things up and down, the latitude and longitude of heaven and earth, and the reason why people live.". Ritual is the embodiment of the laws of heaven and earth in human society. It is said that "ritual is in accordance with heaven, which is the way of heaven." ("Zuo Zhuan: The Fifteenth Year of Wen Gong") and so on. Ritual has also become the boundary between civilization and barbarism. The ancients used ritual to distinguish Yixia (that is, barbarism and civilization), and not by blood race. Etiquette is order, and etiquette has strict regulations on social order and the relationship between superiors and inferiors. Rituals are regulations and systems, and the official system design in "Zhou Guan" has been the main blueprint for government agencies in ancient times.
Etiquette is also the criterion for daily life, and its all-inclusive rituals are formulated based on the requirements of benevolence, righteousness, literature, conduct, and loyalty. Etiquette distinguishes people from animals, such as the various rules in food etiquette. Etiquette is also a way for people to interact with each other. For example, it has corresponding regulations on titles, greetings and farewells, appearance, banquets, correspondence, etc. Divided into major categories, it includes five rites: auspicious, unlucky, military, military, and good. Divided into small categories, there are dozens of them, so much so that the "Book of Rites: Doctrine of the Mean" says, "Three hundred rites, three thousand majesties." .
Why should we learn etiquette? "Book of Rites: Quli" says: "Morality, benevolence and righteousness cannot be accomplished without etiquette; teachings are correct and customary, but failure to do so is unprepared. Disputes and lawsuits cannot be resolved without etiquette. Kings and ministers, fathers, sons and brothers, cannot be treated with etiquette. Officials, scholars, teachers, and teachers cannot be intimate with etiquette." When the Ban Dynasty governs the army, it is not appropriate to visit officials and enforce the law. Praying in temples and offering sacrifices to ghosts and gods is not polite and sincere. Therefore, a gentleman is respectful and temperate and makes concessions in order to show propriety. Parrots can speak and cannot be separated from animals. . Nowadays, people are rude, but they are like beasts. Therefore, father and son gather together to teach others how to be polite. Animals.
The most important thing is to reciprocate. It is not polite to go back and forth; : Those who are polite must be humble and respect others. How about being rich and noble? China has a history of five thousand years of civilization and is known as a "land of etiquette." The Chinese are also famous for their politeness. As an important part of Chinese traditional culture, etiquette civilization has had a broad and far-reaching impact on the development of Chinese society and history, and its content is very rich. Etiquette covers a very wide range and penetrates into almost every aspect of ancient society.
1. Respect the elders and respect the virtuous
From the primitive society to the feudal society in our country, the political and ethical relationships between people are all based on the blood relationship of the clan and family. Therefore, respect within the family Ancestors, respecting elders in society.
Since ancient Chinese society respected etiquette and benevolent governance, respecting the virtuous has become a historical requirement.
2. Appropriate etiquette
The Chinese nation has always focused on expressing people's rich inner emotions through suitable forms. When encountering major festivals and important events, there are many agreed upon rituals. If you get a good harvest, you should sing and celebrate; if you encounter a disaster, you should pray for the blessing of the gods. Over time, many festivals and etiquette forms have been formed, such as Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Double Ninth Festival, etc. Almost every festival has specific etiquette and customs.
3. Treat others politely
In any civilized society and any civilized nation, people always attach great importance to civility and courtesy. Because politeness is one of the moral norms used by human society to promote friendly and harmonious interpersonal interactions and builds a bridge to live in harmony with others. It marks the civilized process of a society and reflects the spiritual outlook of a nation. The Chinese nation has always attached great importance to following etiquette and treating others politely. There are many thought-provoking experiences that inspire people both in the past and now. Specifically, there are two main points:
(1) Be kind to others
Be kind first when getting along with others. And this "goodness" should come from sincerity in the heart, which is sincerity in the inside and outward, rather than clever words and formal red tape. "The Book of Rites" says: "Those who are polite should humble themselves but respect others" (Note: "Book of Rites? 6? 1 Qu Li 1"). It is not enough if you are respectful and enthusiastic on the surface but hypocritical on the inside, or if you are respectful and expressionless on the inside. Only by being consistent externally and internally can the barriers and frictions between people be fundamentally eliminated, and then mutual respect, love, and friendship be achieved.
To respect others, we must treat them equally, regardless of their rank. If you only show respect to those in the upper class, take people with wealth and power, and pay people with benefits, it is actually the behavior of a villain. "The Analects of Confucius? 6? 1 Zihan" records: Confucius saw people wearing mourning clothes, hats and formal clothes, and blind people. When they meet each other, even if these people are young, Confucius will definitely stand up. When passing in front of others, you must walk quickly to show respect.
(2) Reciprocity
Reciprocity is an important principle in treating others politely. That is to say, when accepting kindness from others, you must return the same courtesy. In this way, interpersonal communication can continue in a virtuous circle on an equal and friendly basis. Therefore, "The Book of Rites" says: "It is not polite to go back and forth, but it is not polite to go back and forth; it is not polite to come but not go back" (Note: "Book of Rites? 6? 1 Qu Li 1").
For those who have been favored, the kindness should be repaid with drops of water and springs of water. In the eyes of the ancients, nothing hurts humanity more than ingratitude. Confucius said: "Repay kindness with kindness, and the people will be encouraged"; "Repay kindness with hatred, and the people will be punished and killed (Note: "Book of Rites? 6.1 Notes"). It can be seen that "repay kindness with kindness" means kindness. Reciprocity is the basic moral practice in dealing with others. Of course, the gift should also be appropriate. The original intention of giving gifts is to express respect and reciprocity. The more the more the better, the more important it is. "Shan Mu" chapter says: "The friendship between gentlemen is as light as water, and the friendship between villains is as sweet as wine; the friendship between gentlemen is as light as water, and the friendship between villains is as sweet as wine; the friendship between gentlemen is as light as water, and the friendship between villains is as sweet as wine." Those who come together without reason will separate without reason."
4. Appearance and appearance
A person's appearance and demeanor are the expression of his cultivation and civilization. The ancients believed that Being dignified, courteous in advance and retreat, respectful in deacons, and polite can not only maintain personal dignity, but also help improve morality and career. Ancient thinkers once compared the fur of animals with the appearance and manners of humans. Without fur, animals cannot function. They are animals; if a person loses his etiquette, he will no longer be a human being.
The ancients’ requirements for appearance were inevitably too complicated.
(1) Clothing and appearance: "Disciple Regulations" requires: "The crown must be straight, the knot must be knotted, and the socks and shoes must be tight." These regulations are still necessary for modern people. Tight socks are a basic requirement for appearance. If a person is disheveled and has improper shoes and socks, it will often make people feel disgusted or even disgusted. Who would get close to such a person?
Of course, clothing must be suitable for one's occupation, age, physical characteristics, the environment in which one gets along and the living customs of the person with whom one is interacting, and must be chosen appropriately and generously. Wearing heavy makeup and being pretentious will only be counterproductive.
(2) Behavior: Confucius said: "If a gentleman is not serious, he will not be powerful, and if he is learned, he will not be solid." (Note: "The Analects of Confucius? 6? 1 Xuer"). This is because only solemnity has majesty. Otherwise, even if you learn, you will not be able to consolidate it. Specifically, it is required to "stand like a pine, sit like a bell, walk like the wind, and lie down like a bow." That means standing upright, sitting firmly, moving quickly, and sleeping sideways. Behavior in public places should not be frivolous or profane, but should be solemn, prudent and calm, so as to "see nothing that is not etiquette, hear nothing that is not etiquette, say nothing that is not etiquette, and do not move that is not etiquette" (Note: "The Analects of Confucius" 6.1 Yan Yuan), Everything complies with etiquette.
(3) Speech and rhetoric: Language is a mirror of people’s thoughts, sentiments and cultural accomplishments. As the ancients said, "Rhetoric establishes sincerity, so it is a career" (Note: "Yi 6 1 Qian Wen"). There is a certain truth in considering sincerely polishing your words as the foundation of your career. And we must "be true to our words and bear fruit in our deeds" (Note: "The Analects of Confucius? 6? 1 Zilu"). It is impossible to win people's trust with people who are clever with their words. The second is to be careful with your words. The ancients said that God created humans with two rows of teeth tightly surrounding the upper and lower parts of the tongue, and a thick layer of lips on the outside, so that people must be careful when speaking. Of course, the ancients did not ask people to speak less, but to speak according to the specific situation, speak when they speak, and remain silent when they speak. Confucius said: "If you can talk to someone but don't talk to them, you will lose people; if you can't talk to them but talk to them, you will lose words. A person who knows will not lose people and will not lose words." (Note: "The Analects of Confucius? 6? 1 Wei Linggong") . That's the truth.
The above aspects are the essence of our country’s traditional etiquette. Although times have changed, the ancients' emphasis on grooming and neat appearance requirements are worth learning from today's people. The external image is a silent language that reflects a person's moral cultivation and conveys a person's inner attitude towards the entire life. With an elegant appearance, no matter where he goes, he brings the spring breeze of civilization and gets people's respect. (1) Sitting and leaving the table
1. Wait for the elder to sit down, Only then can you sit down.
2. If there is a lady at the table, you should wait until the lady is seated before taking her seat. If a lady's seat is next to hers, she should be greeted.
3. After the meal, other guests must wait until the host and hostess leave the table before other guests can leave.
4. Sit in an upright posture and maintain an appropriate distance from the dining table.
5. When dining in a restaurant, the waiter should lead you to your seat.
6. When leaving a seat, you should help the elderly person or woman sitting next to you to pull the seat.
(2) Use of napkins
1. Napkins are mainly used to prevent stains on clothes, and are also used to wipe grease stains from mouth and hands.
2. You must wait until everyone is seated before using napkins.
3. The napkin should be spread out and placed on the thighs above the knees. Do not tie it to a belt or hang it on the collar of a suit.
4. Do not use napkins to wipe tableware.
(3) General etiquette at the table
1. After sitting down, your posture should be correct, your feet should be under your seat, and you should not straighten them at will, and your elbows should not lean on the edge of the table, or Place your hands on the back of the seat next to you.
2. When dining, you must be gentle and elegant, calm and quiet, and not impatient.
3. At the dinner table, you should not only care about yourself, but also care about others, especially the female guests on both sides.
4. Avoid talking with food in your mouth.
5. Personal tableware is not allowed to reach into the public dining plate to pick up dishes.
6. You must eat in small mouths and do not stuff it in big mouths. The food must not be stuffed into the mouth until it is swallowed.
7. When scooping out soup from vegetables, public chopsticks and spoons should be used.
8. Do not spit out imported food. If it is hot food, you can drink water or juice to take a shower.
9. When bringing food to the entrance, the elbows should be leaned inward and not spread straight to the sides to touch the neighbor.
10. You should avoid talking to others or toasting while you are holding a knife and fork in your hand, or when others are chewing food.
11. A good way to eat is to put food in your mouth and not to put food in your mouth. Food should be carefully prepared and cannot be brought into the mouth in a hurry, otherwise the soup will drip on the tablecloth, which is extremely unsightly.
12. Do not use your fingers to pick out your teeth. Use toothpicks and cover them with your hands or handkerchiefs.
13. Avoid coughing, sneezing or vomiting at the dining table. If you can't help it, say "I'm sorry."
14. Drinking should be done casually, and toasts should be done with courtesy. Do not persuade people to drink, guess punches, or shout.
15. If the tableware falls to the floor, ask the waiter to pick it up.
16. In case of an accident, if you accidentally spill wine, water, or soup on other people's clothes, just apologize. Don't panic and apologize, which will embarrass the other person.
17. If you want to take the condiments placed in front of other guests at the same table, you should ask the guests next to you to help pass them around. Do not reach across the condiments or reach for them.
18. If the host cooks the food himself, don’t forget to give him praise.
19. If the food tastes unclean or smells strange, do not swallow it. You should take out the food in your mouth gently with your thumb and index finger and put it on a plate. If you find insects or gravel on the dish that you have not yet eaten, do not make a fuss. Instead, approach the waiter and gently tell him to change it.
20. After eating, the tableware must be placed neatly and not in a messy manner. The napkin should also be folded and placed on the table.
21. It is not advisable to smoke while the main meal is in progress. If you need to smoke, you must first obtain the consent of your neighbor.
22. When dining in a restaurant, do not rush to pay the bill. Pushing and pulling to pay is extremely indecent. If you are a guest, you cannot rush to pay the bill. It is also inappropriate to pay bills on behalf of friends without their consent.
23. The speed of eating should be synchronized with the host and hostess. It should not be too fast or too slow.
24. Don’t talk about sad things at the dinner table, otherwise it will destroy the happy atmosphere. The Chinese nation has always been a country of etiquette. The Chinese people have always had the custom of understanding, practicing, observing, and valuing etiquette. What Chinese people pay most attention to is orderliness, that is, younger generations respect their elders, subordinates obey their superiors, and students respect their teachers